Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Mind, body, and soul: how mental health conditions impact people who are HIV+

A recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health suggests that individuals with mental health diagnoses may be up to 4 times more likely to be HIV+ than the general population.HIV activists have long advocated for increased mental health services and for more integrated health care for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). While "opt-out" and universal testing is becoming morecommon in urgent care and routine clinic settings, it has not increased as noticeably among behavioral health providers.

As earlier studies have demonstrated a correlation between inadequately treated mental health conditions and poorer health outcomes among those living with HIV, these new findings seem to underscore the importance of addressing not just viral load, CD4 count, and opportunistic infections, but also mental health needs as well.

Advocacy Without Borders

About Us

Our mission is to encourage ALL people to make a difference...regardless of their differences.

Advocacy Without Borders exists because ALL voices matter, & because all people deserve an opportunity to strive for growth & change.

Affirming that "stakeholders," "clients," "self-advocates," etc should be actively engaged in our own movements, we promote social justice via collaborative partnerships (where allies are valued not above, but alongside those for whom they advocate), education & community engagement.

We strive to be an inclusive, cohesive community that welcomes all who support our cause.

Founded in 2014 by Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, our initial activities include grassroots community mobilization and awareness activities, social media advocacy, public speaking/presentations, and occasional qualitative research and technical assistance.